2019 Volvo XC40 Review, Specs, Release Dates

Volvo has achieved great success with the five-passenger XC60 and three-row XC90 crossover SUV. In fact, they are the company most popular vehicle. So if two are good, why not three? This year, the Swedish carmaker completes its portfolio with the all-new 2019 Volvo XC40. If those other Volvos seem too expensive and large, this smaller XC40 can be an ideal choice.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 manages to convert Volvo typical larger SUV look into a smaller package. You will see this as soon as you go inside. The steering wheel, center stack and touchscreen design will be easily recognized by those who drive the XC60. The front seats are exceptionally shaped and comfortable for a long period, while the rear passengers enjoy a surprising amount of headroom and legroom. Plenty of storage spaces throughout the interior are also suitable for small items, and removable cargo floor partitions help make the most of the smallish cargo area.

As a company whose reputation is built on passenger safety, most advanced driving aids are standard or optional. Every 2019 Volvo XC40 is equipped with the City Safety feature, which can alert drivers if it senses an impending collision with a vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian or large animal. It will apply the brakes if you don’t react fast enough. The optional rear cross-traffic alert system will also apply the brakes if one or more vehicles are about to enter your backing path. Other systems include a headlight that turns when you rotate the steering wheel, automated parking and semiautonomous Pilot Assist function.

Not every car makers are able to put their core strength into a small, tough and relatively affordable crossover. But the 2019 Volvo XC40 performs very well. Even if you choose the base model without add-on, this luxury subcompact crossover is very competitive against rivals such as the Lexus NX 300, Jaguar E-Pace and BMW X1.

What’s new

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is all-new models.

Trim levels and features

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is a five-passenger, compact luxury crossover that offered in three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. There are two configurations available: T4 is front-wheel drive (FWD) and T5 is all-wheel drive (AWD).

Tech features included are a 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite and HD radio. Also standard is forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, Volvo OnCall communications, lane departure warning and mitigation.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 also offers several optional packages. The Premium package adds adaptive cruise control, heated wiper blades, power-folding rear seats, a storage bin under the driver’s seat, power-folding rear headrests, a removable cargo floor, a wireless charger, and a smart feature that allows you to remotely control the rear child locks from the driver’s seat. On the Momentum trim, this package also includes the R-Design’s features added by the Inscription model.

The Vision package adds an automated parking system, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. The Advanced package includes the Vision pack plus turn-adaptive headlights and LED foglights and a 360-degree parking camera. The Momentum Multimedia package adds navigation and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, which is available on the R-Design and Inscription as a stand-alone option.

Engine Specs

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a choice of two outputs and drive configurations. The T5 produces 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with all-wheel-drive. The front-wheel-drive T4 produces 187 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired to a well-functioning eight-speed automatic transmission. In order to save fuel, the XC40 features an automatic start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle, such as at stoplights. However, the system can be deactivated via a menu on the touchscreen.

The EPA estimates for fuel economy are 27 mpg combined (23 city/33 highway) for the front-wheel-drive model and 26 mpg combined (23/31) for the AWD. These estimates are better than average among other compact luxury crossovers.

You might not be able to judge a book by its cover, but the 2019 Volvo XC40 drive fits its exterior style. It’s strong, dynamic, and fun. There’s plenty of power on tap from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In fact, it’s a little dynamo of a powertrain smartly connected to the transmission. Turbo lag is minimal. This small luxury SUV has a lot of get-and-go, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is very agile and easy to maneuver, either on the freeway or in the parking lot. Despite its short wheelbase and short length, the XC40 is comfortable and skilled in absorbing road imperfections. It’s fun to drive on the winding road, especially the R-Design model with its sporty suspension setup and bigger wheels.

Interior

The feeling of spaciousness is very important in a small crossover like this, and 2019 Volvo XC40 does not disappoint. Headroom and legroom at the front and rear are sufficient for most adults, and the panoramic sunroof gives the cabin a bright and airy impression. Interior materials are also high-quality.

The touchscreen user interface takes a little time to use. Almost every vehicle, audio and climate setting are also located in this menu. But once you master it, it feels very easy. The standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and numerous advanced driving aids are highly appreciated.

As Volvo smallest SUV, the 2019 XC40 really makes the most of its available space. The door pockets and center armrests are quite large and hold a number of small items. There are 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, which expanded to 47.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. That’s an average number for the class, but the optional removable cargo floor adds flexibility and can be used to help secure grocery bags.

Release Dates and Price

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is on sale and arriving now at dealers nationwide. Key competitors include the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Jaguar E-Pace.

The official price for the base Momentum T4 trim starts at $34,195 (include $995 destination charge), while the T5 starts at $36,195. The R-Design T4 starts at $36,695, and the T5 at $38,695. The top-of-the-line Inscription pricing still to be announced.